St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-08-23

to the progress and power o. the state.
As to the state dept question, the adj
dress criticiSeS the Democratic party for
not formulating any plan for adjusting
this veXed question for eight years from
1871 to 1879, when it was in power, and
credits the Republicans with passing a
measure in 1881 embOdying plan for
readjusting it equitably, plan which
the Democratic convention of 1883
promised not to disturb. Upon this
pledge, it is asserted, the party regained
power, but from the moment the Demo-
cratic managers of the state were re-
stored to the control of state affairs the
debt settlement has languished, because
they have baffied its execution by their
incompetence and unfaithfulneSS.
Touching the Roanoke resolution in
dOrsing the administration of GOV.
Lee as
WISE AND JUDICIGUS"
the address is particularly severe. "We
confess ourselves at lOSS," it declares
ito know what thought or action OF
Gov. Lee has deserved such cOmmen-
datiOn. Since his Inauguration he has
shown himself lacking in the ability or
inclination to suggest anything for the
relief of the people in their distress.
He has invited public meetings of the
citizens in various cities and counties to
protest against the Judgment of taxes
in coupons. In turn invited to lend the
might and sanction of his presence as
governor at the meeting held in Rich
mOnd pursuant to his call, he pleaded
pressing Official duties as an excuse for
absence. The morning journals of the
following day declared the fact
that he was enjoying the play
of fhn Piahnrnn6 fhnotQr with
boon companions at the moment his eX-
cuSes were being read to the people,
who had convened upon his call to dis
cuss their poverty. He invited the rep
resentatives of the British bOndholders
to the capital of Virginia, and while
they were in Richmond awaiting the re-
suits of their efforts at settlement
with the state, involving millions, the
public press announced Gov. Lee absent
from his commonwealth officiating as
judge of a horse race at Washington,
ID. &. He has used the state boards,
which he appoints, to reward broken
down military frauds and incapable
aristOcrats, and in several notable in
stances, to accomplish his own political
and private ends. The sole monument
of his administration, so far, is an ele-
vatOr in the capitol, constructed for his
convenience. His chief employment in
office has been self-display, and lunket-
ing with associates unqualified to adj
vance or instruct him in the serious du-
ties of his high office. From the date OF
his Inauguration he has ''fddled while
Rome is burning" and frivolous levity.
is the chief characteristic of his term.
Such trifiing with
GRAVE AND SAD PUBLIC
interests may be glassed over by the
Democratic managers with an indOrse-
ment as ''WiSe and judicious. 1t re-
mains to be seen whether it fills the
measu of what the people expected
from the nephew of Robert E. Lee. For
ourselves. we regret that the Demo
cratic Endorsement of him has neceSSi-
tated this restrained cenSure of his adj
ministration.'' Touching the pledge of
the Roanoke platform to protect and
foster oysters, the address says: I'VE
confess that it is wise, if not important
in the present crisis of our state affairs"
The address then suggests that the
Roanoke convention should nave eX-
tended apologies and explanations to a
number of other things in which the
people of Virginia are Interested;
amongst them why the annual cost of
administering the state government has
which the Republican party had re-
duced it in 1SS3-to S1,250,000 in 1887;
also on explanation for the continuance
of the Infamous" AndersOn-McCul-
lOch bill, which makes fair elections
impossible. In conclusion, Senator Ma
hone and his associates say to the voters
of Virginia:
In the full possession of the government
state and federal-the Democratic party,
which had promised you untold happiness
and prosperity when this should come to
pass, behold you surrounded by hard times,
such as are seldom witnessed, and offers you
no explanations nor apologies for its broken
promises. The farmers products are sold at
lower prices than for many years. The work
ingmen finds work difficult to procure and
wages lower than he has ever known them.
Trade languishes Manufacturers are at their
lowest ebb. Finances are panicky. and the
future is filled with darkness and uncertainty.
Amidst all this Democracy rules supreme,
and the Roanoke convention congratulates
you:on the enjoyment of the blessings of
Democratic government-state and federal.